Valedictorian address

When I first found out I'd have to give a graduation speech, my first thought was, “Are you kidding me? I did all that work, and this is my reward?'

But once the panic wore off, I realized how lucky I am to be standing here today, speaking on behalf of my class.

First, I want to recognize the people who helped us reach this moment. We didn't get here alone. From parents and guardians to teachers, coaches, and friends, so many people believed in us - even when we didn't always believe in ourselves. Whether they stayed up with us during a midnight study meltdown, packed our lunches when we were too tired to function, or reminded us that we're more than our grades - their support was everything. Personally, I'll always remember the quiet encouragement from my dad, who would remind me to take a break and reset when I was feeling overwhelmed, and the heart-to-heart conversations with my mom, who would help me put things into perspective and offer advice when I needed it most. I love you mom and dad. I'll also never forget how my friends would remind me to breathe when I got too stressed about a test or schoolwork and always making me laugh even when we shouldn't be.

And, of course, I can't forget the way my siblings have always been there for me - my younger sisters always giving me outfit and hair advice, and my older brothers, letting me tag along with them and never missing an opportunity to pick on me. They've always had my back, whether it was offering support, or making me laugh when I needed it most. These small moments added up to something bigand today, we celebrate them, too.

When I look back on the last few years, it feels like a blur of late nights, long assignments, hallway laughter, and little memories that somehow became everything. High school challenged us, changed us, and shaped us. But through it all, we proved what we’re capable of. We learned to work hard, to ask for help, and to show up- even when it wasn’t easy.

And as we stand on the edge of what's next, I want to say this: we are ready. Some of us are headed to college, some to work, some to service - and some of us are still figuring it out.

But we've made it through four years of challenge and change - and we did it together. What matters now — is that we keep moving forward, with curiosity, with courage, and with the determination to make our lives meaningful.

Because the future isn't waiting for us to be perfect. It's just waiting for us to try.

So to the Class of 2025, and to everyone who helped us get here: thank you. Here's to what's next. — Eva Kopacz, valedictorian

Lee Zagorski and Jaylyn Orth delivered the memory speech at the May 23 graduation ceremony, going over the milestones of the Gilman High School Class of 2025.